At Mater Dei, students can sign up and volunteer during lunches to help Sodexo, the company that provides and serves food in the Levecke Center. Students ranging from all grade levels participate in the Sodexo student worker program, which is a unique feature of student life that plays a major role in the smoothness of each lunch period. A few students share their thoughts and experiences while being a part of the school community in this different and exciting way.
Student Sodexo workers’ main role is to assist cafeteria workers in facilitating an efficient lunch service. Managers assign shifts and assignments for each student, offering a real-world work environment, allowing students to gain an interactive experience. Responsibilities range from preparing condiments to working as a cashier or food runner for half of the 40-minute lunch break. Senior Jay Qiu has been a Sodexo volunteer since his sophomore year. Initially being introduced to this job through the suggestion of a friend, Qiu shares how being a volunteer has helped him become more productive and learn the positive impact he can make.
“It’s a really good use of my time during lunch,” Qiu said. “Instead of just talking to people, I’m actually spending a part of [lunch] to work and create value with the contributions I make.”
Although a fun way to be involved in the school, Qiu advises other students to treat this role seriously and to take accountability while working in such a fast-paced environment.
“Be a responsible person because you are working with other students and being in the cafeteria can be very busy, especially at the beginning of lunch,” Qiu said. “As long as you are responsible with the [jobs] you’re given, you’ll be fine.”
In addition to volunteering for Sodexo, student lunch workers are granted several benefits and mini perks including indirect service hours, free lunches up to $7.50, movie passes, and a $350 tuition discount. Freshman Athena Beneck, a new student to the school, first found out about working in the cafeteria through an email her mother received at the beginning of the school year. Incentivized by the benefits, Beneck decided to apply and has gotten more out of the experience than she originally expected.
“I’ve really enjoyed it so far because I’ve met new people, and it [also] has helped me with [practicing] my math skills [as a cashier],” Beneck said.
Beneck has found that the welcoming work environment, along with the opportunity to contribute to the wider Mater Dei community, has allowed her to immerse herself within the school. These aspects of being a lunch volunteer have cultivated a positive experience for Beneck.
“Everyone [in the cafeteria] is super nice, and I’m happy that I get to serve others,” Beneck said.
Another student, senior Izzy Nguyen, has been working for Sodexo for over a year now. For Nguyen, the role has been more than just a way to earn free lunches, it has been a chance to develop valuable skills and connect with other students. She reflects on her time working in the cafeteria, and what she has learned throughout the process.
“It’s been a great experience! I’ve learned a lot about customer service and improved my communication skills,” Nguyen said.
One thing that stands out is the teamwork that comes with being a part of the Sodexo crew. Whether it is coordinating with food runners, cashiers, or staff members, the collaborative environment has made each shift genuinely enjoyable.
“I love the teamwork between the food runners, the cashiers, and the staff,” Nguyen said. “The relationships I’ve built with other volunteers make it something I look forward to [every lunch].”
Being a Sodexo volunteer is not just about the work, it is also about the fun moments and a sense of community that comes with it. Serving peers, building relationships, and knowing that she can make a difference has added to Nguyen’s meaningful experience.
“Being a lunch volunteer is a lot of fun!” Nguyen said. “You get to help out, see people enjoy their lunch, and even get your free lunches. If you like food and meeting new people, I definitely recommend giving it a try!”
The student Sodexo volunteer program at Mater Dei fosters valuable life skills among its members. Students like Jay Qiu, Athena Beneck, and Izzy Nguyen demonstrate how their involvement goes beyond their duties in the kitchen, and has also allowed them to actively engage with others and practice the skill of teamwork. Nguyen encourages students to utilize the opportunity in order to grow in personal and professional skills.
“My advice is to go for it! It’s a great opportunity to learn about food service and customer relations,” Nguyen said. “But remember to sign up as early as you can because there are limited spots for volunteers!”
Qiu believes that his contributions have enriched his time at Mater Dei and provided him a special aspect of school life that he will continue to look back on in the future.
“It’s definitely a very unique experience for me, because not a lot of people work in the cafeteria,” Qiu said. “It’s a nice little plus from my Mater Dei experience.”
